1 Timothy

March 15 – Hard Questions 2.0 – “Why do you condemn homosexuality? I thought God created and loves everyone?”

Read 1 Timothy 2:3-4 and Genesis 2:24

A buddy of mine is a die-hard sports fan and once asked me to go to one of his favorite team’s games. Now, I personally could care less about who won but thought it would be a fun experience. This particular game, his team lost to a team they should easily have beat, leaving fans frustrated and even enraged.

As we were walking to my car in the parking garage, my friend was irate to say the least. He was yelling at the team, the city, the stadium…the whole 9 yards. The game’s outcome led him to condemn this particular city and the team within it.

It genuinely makes me sick to my stomach that many Christians have the same approach to dealing with homosexuality. We picket physically and blast digitally to the point that you can’t blame people for having a sour taste in their mouths whenever they think or hear about Christianity. We even take it upon ourselves to condemn people to Hell.

Logically, people are led to ask why we, as Christians, condemn homosexuality because, after all, God created and loves everyone.

First, I want to answer the question directly and then talk about what we believe about homosexuality and why.

The answer to the question is very simple:

It’s not our job to condemn anyone.

To take it a step further, consider the words of John 3:

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

Jesus wasn’t even sent to condemn the world, so why would we think that’s our job?

People quote the truth of Genesis 2:24 and use it as ammo to attack other people:

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

While, yes, that is what we believe, it is easy for us to lose sight of our goal when interacting with people with different viewpoints, which is to close the gap between God and them…not push it farther away.

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

God wants people to come to a knowledge of truth, period. Us berating people, either online or in person, is not going to accomplish that goal.

It’s only going to further the gap we are fighting to close.

The goal is to fight against sin. Homosexuality is a sin. Lust is a sin. Anger can be a sin. Using your words to tear others down is a sin. Binge eating is a sin. Self-harm is a sin. Pride is a sin.

Our job isn’t to condemn. Our job is to draw others to a personal relationship with Jesus.

Who can you reach out to today and encourage to pursue such a relationship? Who have you condemned, regardless of the sin, that you need to ask for their forgiveness? How can you fight for godly relationships and encourage others to do the same?

Jake Lawson

November 15 – Attributes of God – Patience

Read 1 Timothy 1:16

In the summer of 2019, I was able to see in person the statue of David in Florence, Italy.

This amazing statue of David is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture created in marble between 1501 and 1504 by the Italian artist Michelangelo. David is 17.0 ft tall and weighs about 6 tons.

I didn’t really know that much about David but I wondered why somebody would spend three years making a statue of a guy who lived in 970 BC, which was about 2500 years ago to Michelangelo and 3000 years ago to me.

So I have been reading about David in the year 2020, and I have learned that he was a patient warrior.

In the movie HOOSIERS, the Hickory Huskers play for the state championship against a very worthy opponent. The school Chaplain reads the story of David and Goliath to the team in the Huskers’ locker room right before the game starts. The Huskers plan was to be patient against a team that likes to fast break. Be patient, work for a good shot, make the opponent work on defense and have a patient attitude. It worked. Just like patience is such a great fruit in life! Jimmy Chitwood takes a shot at the buzzer to make the greatest ending to a sports movie I have ever seen.

When participating in sports, such as basketball or golf, you will see patience in action. Patience is a real key to being successful in sports. Good things take time. A beautiful garden doesn’t happen overnight. A beautiful relationship and friendship does not happen overnight. And patience is a real key to success, especially if you honor Jesus Christ while you are patient.  It is a great thing to strive for. It is not easy. Patience is a fruit of the spirit. Patience is at the top of John Wooden’s pyramid of success. Good things take time.

Paul speaks of patience in 1 Timothy 1:16. He talks about how Jesus gave him strength and considered him faithful, even though Paul was a prosecutor and a violent man. Jesus showed him mercy. Paul says that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom he is the worst. Jesus would display his unlimited patience as an example for those who believe in him and receive eternal life.

God was patient with David. The statue in Florence is of a young shepherd who gains fame, first as a musician, and later by killing the enemy champion, Goliath.

God was patient with Paul. God is patient with you and I.  Are you and I patient with others?

Tom Weckesser

November 1 – The Poor Millionaire – Rich Toward God

Read Luke 12:15 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10

In surveying high school students about their future and dreams, it is interesting to note that many of them said they want to be rich and that it would make them happy and successful. However, not all sophomores in high school said that. Some of them said they want to do something excellent and try to improve the lives of others while others said they want to make a difference in this world for good. Some even said publicly that they want to honor God in whatever they do. But over half of the surveyed students said the number one goal was to get rich.

I wondered how they developed these goals? Was it the media? Or friends or maybe their parents?

1 Timothy 6:9-10 discusses the lust for money. Putting money as the number 1 priority in life above God, family, and friends can have negative consequences.

Have you considered that?

Making money is necessary and important in the world we live in. Earning money and managing money are subjects that we all need to know more about. Many churches, ours included, offer classes on money management for this very reason. The Bible refers to money, integrity and thrift often, but the “love of money” appears to be a big problem.

Contentment is the goal.

By asking God for contentment, perhaps that can replace a love of money. The secret to contentment is summed up in this phrase:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart” – Proverbs 3:5

In 1 Timothy 6:10, there is a statement that reads:

“…the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”

Not money, but the love of money. Have you considered if you worship money more than God? Do you maybe have a lust for money?

Worship and love God, our creator. Avoid being a person who lusts after money (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Treasure God above all that money can buy. If a restaurant overcharges your bill, are you going to point that out to the waitress that you are paying too much? Of course, you are.

What about if you are undercharged?

“What you do with your money shows what you value with your heart.”

John Piper

You will encounter many people in your life who have the love of money above their love of God (Matthew 7:13-14). Look for God’s guidance to find and stay on the narrow road that leads to life.

The love of God includes the fact that the local church is crucial for God’s work in the world and that people – the church – will support God’s church. We can honor Jesus with how we handle money. This way, we can experience the blessing and joy of being generous toward God.

How do you balance the challenge of making money with the importance of being rich toward God?

Tom Weckesser

June 29 – Names of Jesus – Mediator

Read 1 Timothy 6:15-16, Colossians 1:21-22, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 7:25, 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Five adult bodies, plus a Shih-tzu puppy, were crammed into my daughter, Kelsey’s, 2001 Jetta. We were headed to Flagstaff, AZ, which is a hair over two hours from Phoenix, where Kels lives. Spending the day shopping and taking in the town we had run out of adventure and kicked around the idea of going to the Grand Canyon. Some were interested; some were not. While conversing with a chatty, young girl at one of the shops, she assured us it was worth the trip. “You can be there in an hour and a half, tops!” Convinced, I pushed in that direction, so, off we went.

Google agreed with the chatty girl but for some reason it took us more like two and a half hours to get there. Trying to pass the time, we played games, but it was a l-o-o-n-g ride while we tried to stay out of each other’s personal space. There was ample time for my mind to wander to comments I had heard in the past, it’s just a hole in the ground, it’s not a big deal.

Arriving (mostly ecstatic about exiting the tiny Jetta) we trekked to the rim. As we walked, doubts were still circling around us like an annoying swarm of mosquito’s, until we finally got close enough to peer over the edge. Gasping, we took in the enormous view. God’s imagination and creative power on display left me tingly. I was awe-struck by the depth, expanse, and beauty. There was not an ounce of disappointment in me. Not one.

I don’t know if you’ve had the joy of seeing the Grand Canyon in person? I hope you have, but if not, could you imagine yourself standing on one rim and God standing on the other? Now, imagine trying to get to Him. If you’re anything like me, you immediately start thinking of ways: calling for a helicopter (my personal favorite), rounding up climbing gear, filling a backpack with water and food, finding a companion to go on the journey with you.

It’s our human nature to think we can get to God, isn’t it. We think we can somehow make it happen if we plan well enough, work hard enough, think smart enough. But as we read today God is ‘unapproachable light.’ The only way into His presence is pure perfection and we fall short.

Thank God He made a way to bridge the chasm. No gear required. None of my effort required, just a humble, life saving, admission of faith that I need Him.

Jesus is the one and only mediator. He is the pure, perfect, peacemaker that takes me from enemy to friend. From alienated to reconciled. The cost was great as He laid down His holy life for my necessary ransom and I’m forever grateful that He mediates for me.

Shelly Eberly

Questions to consider

  • What does this name of Jesus mean to you?
  • How would you describe the giant chasm between God and you in your own life? In what way did it cause you to lean into a relationship with Him?
  • What feeling does it bring you to know that God is incredible and divine yet personable? How can this truth, and the illustration of the Grand Canyon, influence someone to trust in Him for the first time?

August 20 – Missions Spotlight – Tracey Price

Read Matthew 19:13-15, 9: 35-38, 1 Timothy 2:4-6

Ministry: Christian Education in the Northwestern and Norwayne Public Schools

Missionaries: Tracey Price, Beth Terwilliger, Chad Palmer, Josh Chaffin

We have a unique opportunity to share the gospel with public school students K-8th grade during their school day each week. There is, no doubt, a decline in church attendance, so our mission focus is to share the life changing message of Jesus with children and give them an opportunity to respond.

Released Time programs represent a powerful way to reach children whose parents are not believers or active in church. Parents find it a good way to give their children some “religious training.”

The book of Matthew, chapter 19, makes it clear that children are loved and valued by Jesus, and not to be overlooked. While children may not fully understand repentance and faith, the Holy Spirit does not limit His activity to adults. The seeds of faith can take root in children very young, even if it takes many years to actually see the fruit. We must be praying for the hearts of these children to be open to the gospel and to choose to follow Jesus. We also must build relationships with these little ones so we can let the light of Jesus shine through us. 

In Matthew 9 and 1Timothy 2, we are reminded of the ripe harvest and of God’s desire for everyone to be saved and know truth. Statistically, just over 30% of children ages 5-13 accept Christ. For those 14-18 years old, 14% respond and 6% of those 19 and up. There is simply no better time than right now to reach the children for Jesus.

Meeting the spiritual needs of children today by presenting the gospel and building relationships is critical. Released time programs are a wonderful and effective way to point children to Jesus. 

The Northwestern campus has an 87% participation rate in elementary school and the Norwayne campus 95%.  The middle schools at both campuses have much lower participation numbers due to scheduling and other opportunities offered during the school day. 

Our program relies heavily on the participation of our MANY volunteers (over 80) and the prayers and financial support of area churches and individuals.

Please be in prayer for the hearts of our teachers to be like the heart of Jesus toward the children, for boldness to share the gospel, and for our eyes to be open to the various spiritual and physical needs of the students, and that the children would respond to the gospel.

July 22 – $ – Contentment

Read 1 Timothy 6:6-12

Currency is a made-up concept. Seriously, think about it…somewhere along the way we decided that we needed to record value with something. We developed currency as that system. It has since developed to where the majority of our monetary worth is recorded electronically as something we can’t physically touch. These electronic records have seen plenty of mockery throughout the past year with “meme stocks” like AMC, GameStop, and Blackberry soaring in the markets from keyboard jockeys pumping their value. Possibly more laughable is the cryptocurrency Dogecoin which was started as a joke to point out that currency is entirely made up.

However, as farcical as currency becomes, it is vital to living in a society. It provides everyday needs, it provides sustenance and it provides fun along the way. Without the right mindset, we can quickly fall in love. But this kind of love is a one-way street; money doesn’t love us and we spiral into a void that sucks us in like an addiction. In our reading today, Paul goes so far as to say that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. I recently read an article about an heir to the Disney fortune saying that some wealthy people “would rather be shot than fly first class,” explaining that private is superior to airline terminals. She went on to compare aspiration of wealth to an addiction that is always just out of reach.

It doesn’t matter how much your bank account reads, everyone can fall into the trap of wanting to reach the next level. I remember, when I was first out of college, that my little paycheck felt like a lot of money. That feeling quickly faded. Then I worked in the financial industry and my earnings increased, yet I assumed happiness would come with the next bonus or increase. We all know that money doesn’t buy happiness but, for some reason, our heart’s emotion tells us differently. This all stems from contentment…we have to find contentment in life which wells up from gratitude. Paul writes that we should flee from such a love of money and pursue a more grateful and loving life.

Every night, when I put my kids to bed ,I ask them what they are thankful for. I want them to realize that, while there is always something else out there, everyday has something to be thankful for. So, let me ask you, what are you thankful for today? Are you pursuing gratitude, contentment, and righteousness? Or are you striving for the next rung which will “surely” make you happy?

Jeff Walter

April 15 – Church and State – Pray for ALL in Authority

Read 1 Timothy 2:1-8

These days, when it comes to how we engage in the politics of our nation and how we treat our civil authorities, it could probably be said of most of us: “Thou dost protest too much…and pray too little.”

I know, protesting can seem like it’s more fun.  And we can be so witty and clever doing it – especially from a keyboard.  It may even seem to be more noble to speak out against all the injustices and anti-thises and anti-thats. The fake thises and the fake thats.

But more than that – and I mean much more – we should be pray-ers. I know, I know, we tend to think that’s not enough. But to cast doubt on the power of prayer betrays our conviction about the power of God.

As Christians, we seek the welfare of everyone. That’s why Paul urges us to pray (v. 1).  It brings God into the equation. It acknowledges His rightful place and His superior priorities.

And, because we seek the welfare of everyone, our prayers should include our leaders – even those we don’t like, didn’t vote for, disagree with, and…who may even hate Christ and the Christian faith that means everything to us (2:1–2). And I don’t think Paul meant we should pray for lightning to consume them from the sky or for the earth to open and swallow them up. He meant we should pray for their wellbeing, and that He would grant them wisdom.  Boy, don’t we need that these days.

But why? Why pray?

Why opt for prayer over protest? Why intercession over denunciation? Ready for the list? It’s short, but helpful (vv. 2-5):

(1) Prayer for our leaders is good. That’s a lot better than the alternative.

(2) It pleases God. That should be our goal. We should want that.

(3) So that we can live quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness and holiness. In other words, we need to pray so that the work of our civil authorities doesn’t ultimately hinder the work of the Church.

(4) It partners with God in the salvation of men and women. After all, that’s why Jesus came. And, don’t forget this, because it might be important for your perspective – Jesus’ government crucified Him.

Politics won’t mediate. Power won’t mediate. Position won’t mediate. Prestige won’t mediate. Just like us, our leaders will only find false hope in these things.  And since we seek the welfare of everyone, it’s our obligation… let me say that again.  No, maybe I’ll spell it out: O.B.L.I.G.A.T.I.O.N. It’s our obligation to bring them before the one and only Mediator for their souls and ours, Jesus Christ (5-6).

But as we pray that our leaders get right with God, we had better be right with God (v.8). And when it comes to praying for political leaders, it’s always worth a second glance at our hearts.  And maybe one more after that, just for good measure. You know what you’re looking for: bitterness, anger, disrespect, dishonor…pretty much “dissing” in general.

You might need to repent of a tweet, a post, a “like,” a comment.  You know, something bold or brash or in poor taste that you were confident about behind your keyboard or phone screen but forgot that the Mediator was looking over your shoulder…and cringing.

So, what’s my primary Christian civic responsibility?

Pray.

That’s it.

Pray.

Start now.

Really, right now.

Dave Lawson

October 30 – The 2020 Election – Prayer

Day 6: Prayer

“Nothing of eternal importance ever happens apart from prayer.” – Jerry Falwell, Sr.

When it comes to our civic duty, we have a role to play (Romans 13) and a call to pray.  We are expected to be praying for our leaders – the ones we like and the ones we don’t like, the ones we agree with and the ones we don’t agree with.  What if we would pray for by name the leaders locally, on a state level, and nationally to have wisdom, discernment, soul care, and refreshment?  While it’s important and essential to our form of government to speak up and be involved, there’s nothing greater we can do than kneel down and intercede on their behalf.

Scripture: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority…” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2a

Am I actively praying for those in authority over me?

Prayer:  God, we pray for those in authority over us.  We pray for our mayor, city and county leaders, our governor, our representatives and senators, and our President and his team to have wisdom, discernment, soul care, and refreshment.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Nick Cleveland

October 9 – Attributes of God – Patience

Read 1 Timothy 1:16

In the summer of 2019, I was able to see in person the statue of David in Florence, Italy.

This amazing statue of David is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture created in marble between 1501 and 1504 by the Italian artist Michelangelo. David is 17.0 ft tall and weighs about 6 tons.

I didn’t really know that much about David but I wondered why somebody would spend three years making a statue of a guy who lived in 970 BC, which was about 2500 years ago to Michelangelo and 3000 years ago to me.

So I have been reading about David in the year 2020, and I have learned that he was a patient warrior.

In the movie HOOSIERS, the Hickory Huskers play for the state championship against a very worthy opponent. The school Chaplain reads the story of David and Goliath to the team in the Husker’s locker room right before the game starts. The Huskers plan was to be patient against a team that likes to fast break. Be patient, work for a good shot, make the opponent work on defense and have a patient attitude. It worked. Just like patience is such a great fruit in life! Jimmy Chitwood takes a shot at the buzzer to make the greatest ending to a sports movie I have ever seen.

When participating in sports such as basketball or golf, you will see patience in action. Patience is a real key to being successful in sports. Good things take time. A beautiful garden doesn’t happen overnight. A beautiful relationship and friendship does not happen overnight. And patience is a real key to success, especially if you honor Jesus Christ while you are patient.  It is a great thing to strive for. It is not easy. Patience is a fruit of the spirit. Patience is at the top of John Wooden’s pyramid of success. Good things take time.

Paul speaks of patience in 1 Timothy 1:16. He talks about how Jesus gave him strength and considered him faithful, even though Paul was a prosecutor and a violent man. Jesus showed him mercy. Paul says that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom he is the worst. Jesus would display his unlimited patience as an example for those who believe in him and receive eternal life.

God was patient with David. The statue in Florence is of a young shepherd who gains fame first as a musician and later by killing the enemy champion, Goliath.

God was patient with Paul. God is patient with you and I.  Are you and I patient with others?

Tom Weckesser

July 14 – United: Country – 1 Timothy 2

Read 1 Timothy 2:1-8

We live in a day where everyone feels like their political opinions need to be heard.  All you need to do is go to any social media platform and let the world know where you stand, who you support or oppose.  There has never been a time like this in my life that our country has been so divided politically.

We have the #notmypresident and #makeamericagreatagain movements.  We have leaders being forced to make difficult decisions on the local and state levels regarding complex issues that no one has had to deal with before.  There is no handbook on how to govern during a pandemic like COVID19.

One thing we need to realize is that, no matter WHICH party or government officials we support, we are called to pray for those in authority.  I Timothy 2:1-2 tells us, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

The apostle Paul  is telling the reader that, regardless of who is in office and regardless of political affiliation, we are to stand in the gap and pray for them.  I know some of you may be thinking, “What? He’s not my president.  This isn’t the mayor I elected.” However, Paul says pray for ALL people in authority.

Several years ago I was challenged by one of our pastors to pray daily for our President.  At the time I had my own political agenda and he was from a party that I did not align myself with.  Nor did I care for how he was running our country. I was challenged to pray for him to lead our nation and pray for his family.  Not simply to pray for God to change his heart to align his political position with what I believe;  but rather to pray for him simply because he is in authority of the nation.

I even wrote him a letter telling him I was praying for him and, to my surprise, I received a 3 page letter in my mailbox from The White House, a 3 page letter from the President of the United States.   My heart was changed as I prayed daily for our nation’s leader.

Paul goes on to tell us in verses 3 and 4 that, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”.  Did you get that?  God is pleased by us praying for our leaders.  It is His desire that ALL may be saved!  Not just Republicans or Democrats- ALL!

We are to do this humbly, unselfishly and peacefully “lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing” (v. 8).   You cannot turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper today without hearing people arguing over who is right or wrong, which party needs to be leading our state or Congress.  We need to peacefully pray for those leading us.

This country needs you! You are needed to stand in the gap, intercede, lift up holy hands for:

  • Local and state governing officials and law enforcement
  • National leaders, our President and elected officials
  • Our military
  • And thank God for the blessing to be able to lay down at night in peace, knowing that there are brave men and woman who fight for our freedoms and protect our safety.

Nate Mills